So, you have termites. You’ve noticed damage around your property and identify signs of termite activity and now you want to take matters into your own hands. But before you try to eliminate your pest problem by yourself, you should know that DIY termite control is rarely effective and can be a waste of your valuable time and money. If you’re wondering what to do about termites on your Chester property, keep reading.
About Termites
No pests are better at destroying your property than termites. These tiny insects live in large social colonies with thousands of members and can work nonstop day and night, chewing up everything in their path. If an infestation becomes severe enough, termites can cause walls and ceilings to collapse, resulting in catastrophic damage. Some 600,000 Americans deal with termite damage every year and it’s estimated that homeowners in the U.S. annually spend $5 billion to repair the destruction caused by termites.
Broadly speaking, termites can be separated into three main categories, each of which presents its own problems. Dampwood termites are usually found outdoors in rotting logs and decaying wooden material. Drywood termites can often be found living and feeding in dry structural wood. And subterranean termites can connect their massive underground colonies to your property to feed. It’s important to be aware of these differences because a DIY treatment for one type of termite will not be effective against another.
Why You Shouldn’t Try DIY Termite Control
It’s great to be self-sufficient and take care of your own problems. Unfortunately, just because you’ve trapped a few mice or squashed a few ants doesn’t mean you have the experience to properly eliminate a significant termite infestation on your property. Most DIY termite control methods are temporary solutions that don’t really work:
- Over-the-counter products: You might think the best way to handle your termite infestation is with a store-bought baiting station. Ideally, worker termites will take the poisoned bait back to their colony, eliminating the problem at the source. But termites have to find the bait first. And without proper placement, termites may never take it.
- Orange oil: This popular remedy for termites destroys the exoskeletons of adult termites and termite eggs. This method is only effective against drywood termites, not common subterranean termites. And without proper application, termites will still survive.
- Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is a powder that draws moisture out of the bodies of termites, causing them to shrivel up and die. Application has to be targeted and thorough to be effective, and many termites are often missed.
Termite Prevention Tips
DIY termite control doesn’t get results. But there are some tried-and-true techniques you can use to prevent termites from infesting your property:
- Limit wood-to-soil contact. Make sure that wooden segments of your property aren’t making direct contact with soil. Install a gravel or rock barrier around the perimeter of the building to reduce soil contact.
- Reduce moisture. Don’t let water accumulate around your property. Make sure that drains and gutters are clear and leaky fixtures are sealed. Consider installing a dehumidifier to make your property less hospitable to termites and other pests.
- Do some yard work. Clear away the areas where termites can congregate like fallen trees, rotting logs, and woodpiles.
What To Do About Termites
If you have termites on your property in Chester, the best thing you can do is to get in touch with experts at M.A.D. Exterminators Inc. Since 1983, our family-owned and -operated business has been treating Pennsylvania for destructive termites. Using our state-of-the-art Termidor® system, we will eliminate the termites on your property and prevent them from coming back. Contact us today for effective termite control!